Hits or Misses: It Cosmetics for Ulta Airbush Essentials Collection Brushes

Hello friends! Today I am sharing with you my thoughts on these four It Cosmetics for Ulta Brushes from the Airbrush Essentials Collection. These are currently the majority of my high end brush collection (minus the Mac 217 and two Anastasia brow brushes). I have been buying them slowly, usually waiting on a 20% coupon  from Ulta on prestige brands before I bought them. I have not regretted any of the brush purchases I have made, these four are soft and don't shed when you wash them. Also, another benefit of these brushes is that they are all synthetic!So for those of you who were wondering how these brushes were, hope you find my thoughts here useful!

Product Smackdown: Blush Brushes!

Blushes Shown: Nars Guy Bourdin One Night Stand Cheek Palette (Review), Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush in Rose, Sleek Blush by 3 in Pumpkin, Benefit Box Blush in Rockateur, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hr Blush in Exposed, Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blush in Pearlescent Pink, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, The Balm Blush in Hot Mama

Hey guys, so today I will be introducing a new series to my blog! Today, I will be sharing a Product Smackdown: Blush Brushes Edition.

I don't know how you guys feel about blushes, but I love them. The picture above is just showcases a fraction of the blushes I own. However, my application of blushes isn't always the best. As such, I felt like sharing which blush brushes I own gives me the best blush application. In this post, I will be discussing EcoTools, Elf, It Cosmetics, and Real Techniques blush brushes and letting you know what I think is the best out of the ones I have tried (PSA: I returned my Mac 109 brush that I used to use because the bristles were WAY too harsh).  Keep reading on to find out what brushes I like and what I don't like so much.

Review: OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil

Claims: This exotic precious blend of Moroccan argan oil penetrates, moisturizes, renews and creates softness and strength while protecting your hair from harmful styling heat and UV damage as it gives you smooth, sexy tresses.
Price: $6-8
Size: 3.3 fl oz/100 mL
Where to Buy: Publix, Target. Ulta, Walgreens. Walmart

Hello friends! Today I will be sharing with you a review of the OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil. I have been trialing this over a month now and I think I have developed a solid opinion on how this products works. I am a big fan of argan oil, ever since I initially tried the Arganics by NuMe Argan Oil (Review) I've been addicted to how smooth, silky, and moisturized my hair feels after using it for a prolonged period of time. As a result, today I am sharing with you my review on this affordable drugstore alternative.

Review: Elizabeth Arden Perpetual Moisture 24 Hour Cream

Claims: Effectively pre-empts moisture loss at its source by helping to bind moisture deep within the skin's surface layers. Helps skin maintain its own ideal moisture level so it feels soft, smooth and balanced day after day.
Price: $10-15 at a CCO
Size: 1.7 oz/4.9g/50 mL
Where to Buy: Amazon, Elizabeth Arden Outlets and TJ Maxx (discontinued in the US unfortunately)

Hello friends! Today I will be sharing with you a favorite of mine, the Elizabeth Arden Perpetual Moisture 24 Hour Cream. I have been a long time of the Elizabeth Arden Good Night Sleep Moisturizer for awhile, so I knew I had to try this one out. I picked this one up at TJ Maxx awhile back for 10-15 dollars, roughly half the price of the retail value. This is a wonderful nighttime moisturizer that I enjoyed thoroughly during the winter months (and whenever I need an extra boost of hydration).

Review: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Claims: Enhances, without masking, your overall natural complexion. The weightless formula hydrates the skin while complexion brightening properties improve skin brightness, radiance, and texture, leaving skin with a luminous, sensual glow.
Price: $45
Shades: 19
Size: 1 fl oz/30 mL
Where can I purchase?: Nars. com, Nordstron, Sephora

Hey guys! So today I will be reviewing the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab for you guys! I uploaded a youtube review of this awhile ago (here) and I just got around to typing up a blog post review on it. I picked this bad boy Sephora gave me twenty off of a fifty purchase in December and now that I have tried this foundation for some time now, I am ready to review this product for you.

Review: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

Claims: This creamy, full-coverage lip color provides intense moisture with bold, long-lasting pigment to stay in place for up to six hours of continuous wear. The comfortable texture feels weightless on lips and its color-rich formula does not bleed or transfer. Enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil, Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick hydrates and softens lips so they look and feel beautiful.
Price: $22
Shades: 10
Size: .10 oz
Where Can I Buy?: Sephora, Stila.com, Ulta

Hey guys! So today I wanted to review the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso. As I have previously mentioned in my Products I'm Testing post, I got interested in trying this lipstick out as a result of WhatWouldLizzyDo on Youtube. Liquid lipsticks are all the rage now in the beauty community, so I knew that I had to give this one a try sooner or later. Today, after many days of testing this lip product out, I am finally ready to give a review of this product to you!

Review: Make Up For Ever Full Coverage Concealer

Claims: An ultra long-lasting, matte finish, oil-free, waterproof, full coverage concealer. Designed to cover major imperfections like scars, hyperpigmentation, major discoloration, burns, and tattoos. This light and creamy concealer contains a high concentration of pigments that stay put, making it perfect for use on the face, as well as the body.
Price: $32
Shade Range: 12
Size: .5 oz
Where To Buy: Makeup Forever (online), Sephora

Hey guys! So today I will be sharing with you my review on the Make Up For Ever Full Coverage Concealer! I picked this up a couple of weeks back during the Sephora VIB sale and I have not stopped putting this bad boy down since I grabbed it! I am in the shade 5, Vanilla (although I could probably pick up 6, Ivory and get away with it as well). I've been wanting this product for awhile now, but I never got around to biting the bullet to get it. However, I finally did this during this recent VIB sale and now I cannot get over how wonderful of a product it is! Where has it been all my life?!

Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation

Claims: 
Give your skin a radiance boost with Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation – made from a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an even complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result!

Its fresh and instant blending gel texture blends and glides onto the skin for an even, natural finish with no mask effect. Imperfections are erased, signs of fatigue are smoothed and the skin’s radiance is boosted for up to 16 hours*.

Made from an instant anti-fatigue vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula with litchi, goji berries and pomegranates.

Price: ~$16

Shades: 6

Size: 30 mL / 1 Fl Oz

Where Can I Buy?: Feelunique.com

Hey loves! Today I will be reviewing the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in Light Beige (53). I purchased this when I was in Canada this past summer and I am now finally getting around to reviewing this foundation (ended up having to rewriting this review because I overwrote the first review >.> ). However, one good thing about me taking so long to review this foundation is that I could tell you how this foundation worked during the summer, fall, and winter (so you guys have a better understanding of how this foundation functions)! That being said, let's get onto the review!

Review: Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System

Hey guys! So I received the Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne System over a month back by Influenster in my ClearProof VoxBox. Finally, after a long time of me trying, I will give you a review of the product (and if you are wondering, I did not receive any compensation for this review). This whole kit sells for $45 for the four full sized products shown above ($59 if all the products are purchased separately). They also sell a 7 day trial set for $20 (1 fl oz for the cleanser and moisturizer, .9 fl oz for toner, and .1 oz for the acne treatment gel). This is a bit of a hefty price for the whole kit, so definitely consider getting it if you believe that it will benefit you. Skincare is a very personal thing, it varies from person to person as to what the best skincare products are.

Review: Too Faced Everything Nice Palette

Claims: Create any makeup look you desire for the holidays with this versatile, must-have makeup palette. The deluxe-size Better Than Sex Mascara and 20 pigment-rich eye shadows with exclusive new shades are perfect for creating show-stopping eyes. Brush on a winter glow with the two blushes, including Papa Don’t Peach and two bronzers, featuring the antioxidant-rich Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. This set includes three gold glitter, Cruelty-Free Teddy Bear Hair brushes that make perfect beauty tools for completing any look. The limited-edition party-ready, pink glitter zip bag makes for a fun party clutch, and the step-by-step, how-to glamour guide with three beauty looks helps you get ready for every occasion.
Price: $56
Size:
- 20 x .06 oz Eye shadows
- 2 x 0.14 oz Bronzers in Chocolate Soleil and Inner Light
- 2 x 0.14 oz Blushes in Papa Don’t Peach and Sweet Pink
- 3 mini Gold glitter Cruelty-Free Teddy Bear makeup brushes
- 0.17 oz Better Than Sex Mascara

Where to Purchase: Sephora  

Hello my loves! So today I am doing a review of the Too Faced Everything Nice Set. This review marks the first time where I have reviewed Too Faced products! I've been eyeing this set for awhile now, unable to decide whether or not I should pick this up or not. Last year I missed out on the My Favorite Things palette from them and I really regretted not picking it up! I eventually caved in and bought this palette! I've only tried two things from the set prior to purchasing this palette, the Better than Sex Mascara and Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. Everything else from this palette is brand new to me (I have never tried any of their eyeshadows, blushes, and highlighter)! So, stay tuned for this lengthy review of this makeup set!

Review: Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain

Claims: Moisturizing Balm Infused with a Light-Weight Stain. Applies with a Glossy Finish then Transforms into the Perfect Flush of Color. Long Lasting.
Price: $2.99
Size: .095 oz/2.7 g
Shades: 8
Where to Purchase: Jordana, Walgreens

From left to right (first swatch being one swipe across, second one being a more pigmented swatch): Cranberry Crush, Honey Love, Rock n Rouge, and Sweet Pink

Hey guys! So today I will be doing a review of the Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain. I currently own four colors (Cranberry Crush, Honey Love, Rock n Rouge, and Sweet Pink), and I now feel after trying it for over a couple of months year now I am finally ready to review them!

#MakeuplessMonday Review: Lush Cupcake Mask

Hey guys! For today's delayed video post, I have here a review of the Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask. This has been one of my favorite masks that I have used for awhile now! Definitely try it out if you have oily skin! This makes my skin soooo smooth and deep cleans my face pretty well. Hope you find the review informative! And if you are interested in where I've been, I made a post about it here. 

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#MakeuplessMonday Review: Aveeno Active Naturals Protect & Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen

Hey guys! Today I will be reviewing Aveeno Active Naturals Protect & Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30. Quick overview is that I do enjoy the sunscreen, it has a slightly more watery consistency then the Hawaiian Tropic Ultra Radiance Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15. Slight downside though, it has less product than the Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen and is more expensive. However, I do think that the Aveeno is better suited for those of you who have sensitive skin! My sister is really sensitive and she can use this product (which is a huge plus, because prior to that she could've only used one other sunscreen)! Hope you guys enjoyed the video and thank you for watching! 

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#MakeuplessMonday Review: Hawaiian Tropic Ultra Radiance Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

Hey guys! So yesterday I uploaded a review of my newest favorite body sunscreen Hawaiian Tropic Ultra Radiance Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15. Now for some reason or another, I'm not exactly 100% positive this would show up on your subscription feeds... I'm thinking its because I accidentally hit publish on this video and then placed it on private... and then hit publish again. Anyways, quick run down on this sunscreen: it smells really good, spreads easily, and is moisturizing (while absorbing quickly in the skin). This sunscreen is also a chemical sunscreen and personally I have never noticed a difference between physical and chemical sunscreens. Summer is never over in Florida and I am running through sunscreen like water (literally, I finished this sunscreen in less than three weeks). Taking advantage of the heat and will be reviewing sunscreens as I go through them! 

Whats your favorite body sunscreen? Let me know in the comment section below!

PS. Currently in Toronto, Canada! If you have any recommendations on things to do/see/eat please let me know! (Yes, I will be blogging when I'm on vacation...because unfortunately I did not get the chance to pre-write my blog posts!)

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#MakeuplessMonday Review: Olay Professional Pro X Cleansing Brush

Hello guys! Last weeks #MakeuplessMonday Review featured Olay Professional Pro X Cleansing Brush. I've been using this cleansing brush for over a year now, and finally got around to reviewing it! Quick overview for my blog readers: I do enjoy it, but I would not recommend this for those of you who have sensitive skin. I find that this can be abrasive for me because it rotates in a complete circle (those 360 degrees can be a bit... too much at times). However, if you are looking for an alternative to higher end cleansing brushes such as the uber popular Clarisonic, definitely check this out! This is priced for about 30 dollars (before any couponing is involved!) and the replacement brush heads costs $10 for two! A cleansing brush is nice to have because it cleans your face much more thoroughly than your hands ever could! It also removes makeup very effectively (especially pesky, heavy duty makeup like Estee Lauder Double Wear!)

Have you tried any cleansing brushes? What is your opinion on them? Let me know in the comment section below! 

PS. Currently in Toronto, Canada! If you have any recommendations on things to do/see/eat please let me know! (Yes, I will be blogging when I'm on vacation...because unfortunately I did not get the chance to pre-write my blog posts!)

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#MakeuplessMonday Review: Benefit Porefessional + Comparison to Maybelline Baby Skin

Hello guys! I'm sorta late for posting last weeks #MakeuplessMonday Review, but here it is! I reviewed Benefit Porefessional Primer on my youtube channel, and also compared it to the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (which I reviewed several months ago here). Quick summary of the review: I enjoy the Porefessional Primer a lot more than the Maybelline Baby Skin. While the price difference is a bit hefty, the texture, consistency, and application of the Porefessional is a lot more appealing to me. Maybelline Baby Skin has a tendency to leave me a bit greasy at times. However, if you are on a budget, both are great pore fillers!

Have you tried either of these products? Let me know in the comment section below what you think!

PS. Currently in Toronto, Canada! If you have any recommendations on things to do/see/eat please let me know! (Yes, I will be blogging when I'm on vacation...because unfortunately I did not get the chance to pre-write my blog posts!)

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1st Impression: Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation

Hello guys! Today I have here a 1st Impression review of the Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I had a Macy's Gift Card and I decided to pick up this foundation as well as Rebel lipstick (which I am wearing in the video) so I didn't necessarily break my Project 10 Pan... but I did kinda cheat a bit! I've been on the hunt for a good powder foundation for my oily skin! I've heard plenty of great things about this product so I wanted to go test this out! Needless to say I'm not sure if this has made the cut yet, but after a day of wear in below average heat and humidity (peaking at 85 degrees Fahrenheit in Florida), this did wear somewhat alright. I will definitely trial this on for a bit longer before I make my final option, but nevertheless, here is my first impression review where I check in throughout the day and give you my thoughts!

Please let me know if there is a powder foundation for oily skin that you could recommend! 

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#Makeupless Monday Reviews: Boots Botanics Hydrating Eye Cream Age Defense

Hey guys! Today is the start of a new series on my channel! Every Monday starting from today, I will be doing Makeupless Monday reviews! While I have definitely have not been shy about not wearing makeup in my videos, but now I have made a point to commit to not wear any makeup on Mondays! This series does two things for me, one it commits me to posting a review every week on my Youtube channel (which is something my channel has definitely be lacking) and two I can get a visual indicator on how my skin is doing! I'm hoping that by doing this series, I will be motivated to work on keeping my skin as clear as possible and I will be able to check on how my skin is doing as a result!

Today I will be doing a review on the Boots Botanics Hydrating Eye Cream Age Defense that I purchased in my last Skincare Haul. Mia from MakeMeUpMia requested to hear my thoughts on it, and after giving it a good two weeks I have finally decided to do a review on it! Unfortunately, I do not have a good review on this product. While it is initially hydrating, it dries up quickly and sucks up all the hydration with it! Be sure to check out the review to hear my thoughts!

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Review: Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner and Makeup Brush Shampoo

Hey guys! So today I am going to do a review on a product that is not sexy at all in the makeup and beauty world. As essential as cleaning brushes are, for many of us (or maybe it is just me) brush cleaning is the most hated tasks that I do about once every other week. Because I wasn't sure whether or not I would like the product, I opted to by the smaller version of both makeup brush cleaners (even though I ended up paying more than if I got the bigger size). After over two months of using these two products, I am ready to give you a review!

Claim: Sephora Brand Daily Brush Cleaner is an anti-bacterial daily brush cleaner designed to quickly remove light traces of makeup between applications. Just spray this purifying formula onto a tissue or directly onto brush bristles, then lightly swipe your powder, blush, eye, and lip brushes across tissue for a fabulous dose of freshness. No rinsing needed!

Price: $7 (for 2 oz), $15 (for 6.75 oz)

Size: 2 oz and 6.85 oz 

Now lets start with the Sephora Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner. This is designed to use in between makeup applications and doesn't need washing. The product is dispensed in a spray nozzle. In my experience of using this product, I find that one to two sprays is enough to clean most eye brushes and three to four sprays for most face brushes provided that you don't have several days worth of makeup sitting on the brushes. After I spray the brush cleaner on my brushes, I rub the brushes on either a paper towel or a rag for max of thirty seconds. During that time, I will say the brushes are about 95% clean (especially if it is powder products that was lingering on the brushes)! If there were liquid products, the brush would be about 80% clean. The brush air dries within three minutes, and then they are ready to use again!

I find that there is no foul scent that lingers on the brushes after I clean them (a huge plus, I hate it when my brushes are smelly). Overall, I really like this product! I primarily use it to clean my eyeshadow brushes on a daily basis, so I can have the best eyeshadow application! I can stand using dirty face brushes, but not eyeshadow brushes (cause it makes my eye makeup look really muddy). I would recommend this to you if you are looking for a quick method to clean your eyeshadow brushes! Will definitely be purchasing a full size of this when I finish it up!

Claim: An anti-bacterial brush shampoo designed to deep clean your brushes once a week. 

Price: $7 (for 2 oz), $15 (for 6.75 oz)

Size: 2 oz and 6.85 oz 

Next, we have the Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo. Looking at Sephora's website, this has been renamed to the Purifying Brush Shampoo (not 100% sure it is the same product...but it probably is!). This product has a gel-like consistency and is dispensed in a pump. For eye brushes, one pump of the product is suffice to cleaning out all the makeup out of it. For face brushes, it will take between two to four pumps to clean the brushes thoroughly. To clean, I first run the brush under warm water. Then, I dispense the shampoo onto the palm of my hands and using swirling motions I rub the brush onto my hands. Then, when I feel like I have enough product onto the brush I rub it in water to rinse out the shampoo. When using this shampoo, I find that my brushes will dry completely overnight and not be wet at all the next day (huge bonus considering how I only use the same couple of brushes!)

Like the Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner, this does not have a scent linger on the brushes (unlike the Sonia Kashuk one which did). For the majority of my brushes, the Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo does wonderfully, cleans it out completely! However, if you are a fan of dense brushes like the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, this brush shampoo does not clean it out completely unfortunately (I'd say about 80%). The brush is still useable and works fine, but I would've really liked it if the shampoo could penetrate the brush a bit more. I have tried cleaning the Expert Face Brush a multitude of times (repeating the motions I have stated above up to three times) with this shampoo and I can not get it completely clean! For other brushes though, I can get it 100% clean with only two pumps with this shampoo. While I do like this makeup brush shampoo, I will definitely try out other makeup brush cleaners to see if there are any that works better! I am almost finished with this product with so I can try out a new makeup brush cleaner soon!

How do you guys clean your makeup brushes? Let me know in the comment section below!

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Review: Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation

Claims: 

• Enhances skin's natural light. The complexion appears flawless, full of life – as if lit-from-within
• Bare skin sensation, correction with translucency for a natural finish, as if matter-free
• 18 hour hydration
• Diminishes redness for a more uniform complexion
• Non-irritating/doesn't cause break-outs
• Protects skin from UV damage

Price: $42.50
Shades: 26
Size: 1 fl ounces
Where to Buy: Macy's, Dillards, Sephora and where ever Lancome counters are at :D

Hey guys! So today I will doing a review on the oldest foundation I have in my collection, Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation. The current shade that I own is Buff 6(W), which a perfect match during my winter time. This foundation holds a special place in my heart, because it was my first foundation, first high end makeup product, and the foundation I wore to prom! While my makeup skills have improved a lot since then, my love for this foundation has not diminished! Here, I will be examining the this foundation thoroughly, explaining why I enjoy it!

Packaging: 
The packaging of this foundation is very simple, but very polished (something I would expect for a high end brand). The foundation is encased in a glass container and there is a pump which makes dispensing foundation both hygienic and easy. My biggest gripe about the packaging is that the text rubs off over time. For a foundation that you are willing to fork over nearly $50... I just wish that wouldn't occur! It's not the biggest deterrence, but it is a bit irritating.

Coverage and Finish: 
The coverage of this foundation is light to medium and is easily built to medium coverage. Achieving full coverage with this is easy, I usually add on top of this foundation something like the Lancome Dual Finish Powder. If you are using the Dual Finish Powder in addition to the Teint Miracle, make sure to use a brush and add it lightly, because this powder by itself provides medium to full coverage. The finish of this foundation is a natural finish. I find that this foundation is fantastic for those of you who have little blemishes. But, if you do have blemishes, adding a concealer on top of this foundation will not disrupt it! When wearing this foundation, I find that this does not make my face look like I'm wearing makeup (a huge plus in my book). This is a very light weight foundation, which makes it a great transition for those who aren't used to wearing makeup!

Because I do not have any pictures of me wearing this foundation by itself, I have provided a couple of videos where I apply this foundation. I have used a beauty blender to apply the foundation here in my Wonder Girls Like Money Inspired Makeup Look. Of course, I have used this foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush here in my Everyday Winter Foundation Routine. Last, but not least, one can not overlook the old fashion method of using your fingers.. which I did here in my Get Ready With Me video. With all of these methods, the foundation blends seamlessly into my skin without any difficulty!

Swatch of Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation in Buff 6(W)

Lasting Power:
Like the majority of light coverage foundation, the lasting power of this foundation by itself (without the use of any setting powder, primer, and setting spray) is about 6-8 hours. With the help of setting powder and setting spray, I have seen it lasting up to 10 hours (before any touch ups!). Usually I wear this foundation during the late fall/winter season, because this foundation is functions best for my skin during that season. Unlike my other foundations, this doesn't cling to my dry spots which makes it my preferred foundation when I am breaking out and when the season is dryer.


My Final Thoughts:
While this foundation is a bit pricey, I do think it is worth the purchase. Unless you have extremely oily skin or extremely dry skin, I would recommend this foundation to you! If you have the money to fork over, I would definitely recommend you to first get a sample to try this out! I have loved this foundation for almost four years now, and it's something I would repurchase (even though I love my full coverage foundations!) I feel like this foundation is a great beginners foundation, because it is so easy to work with and it is doesn't feel heavy on the skin! With 26 shades varying in cool, neutral, and warm undertones in the collection, I do not doubt that everyone can find their perfect match in here!

Have you tried this foundation before? Let me know what you think!

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